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Mama, PhD : women write about motherhood and academic life

"Every year, American universities publish glowing reports stating their commitment to diversity, often showing statistics of female hires as proof of success. Yet, academic life remains overwhelmingly a man's world and the presence of women, specifically those with children, in the ranks of tenured faculty has not increased in a generation. This anthology explores the continued inequality of the sexes in higher education and suggests changes that could make universities more family friendly workplaces. Candid, provocative, and sometimes with a wry sense of humor, the essays speak to and offer support for any woman attempting to combine work and family"--Provided by publisher.Read more...

Abstract:

A collection of essays, which explore the continued inequality of the sexes in higher education and suggest changes that could make universities more family-friendly workplaces. It addresses topics that range from the level of policy to practical day-to-day concerns, including caring for a child with special needs, and breastfeeding on campus.Read more...

Reviews

Editorial reviews

Publisher Synopsis

"All those sleepless nights and dirty diapers and baby food in your hair-where's the discursive construction of motherhood when you need it? It's here, in these smart, funny, poignant essays that struggle to balance mind and body, to balance body and soul."--Catherine Newman, PhD "author of Waiting for Birdy " "This is a charming, heartfelt book that expresses the difficulties and the joys of combining a life in academia with motherhood. Each story is different, but the experiences and challenges are widely shared."--Mary Ann Mason "author of Mothers on the Fast Track: How a New Generation Can Balance Families " "A unique and potent mixture of memoir, analysis, and advocacy. Mama PhD stands out in its ability to blend testimony, analysis, and advocacy, from a variety of perspectives. This volume raises striking questions about women's changing roles."--Feminist Teacher "An optimistic narrative of work-family balance among women with PhDs. Mama PhD gave advice about achieving a successful work-family balance in academia, presented several models of success, and left me with a more optimistic view of my chances at balancing child raising with s successful career."--Arielle Kuperberg "Women's Studies Quarterly " "Each writer beautifully articulates the personal details of her own experiences. Whether working to conceal their family lives in order to maintain professional credibility, fighting with administrators for fair and flexible treatment, defiantly toting infants into the offices of their advisers, or dropping out of academia to search for different ways to combine intellect and motherhood, the contributors to Mama, PhD offer themselves up as potential role models to women wondering how to tackle these two demanding responsibilities."--Katura Reynolds "Bitch Magazine " "Through the voices of those who have weathered the storm, Mama, PhD provides invaluable lessons for young scholars-both men and women-striving to navigate family and academic careers."--Robert Drago "author of Striking a Balance: Work, Family, Life " "Well-written, personal, insightful and engaging, Mama, PhD gives an accurate glimpse into the feelings and conflicts that mothers in academia don't often reveal because such disclosure is felt to be unprofessional."--Karen V. Hansen "author of Not-So-Nuclear Families: Class, Gender, and Networks of Care "Read more...